The authors give a brief review of magnet energy storage (MES) development in the (USSR) and outline the status in the following areas: supporting theoretical studies, commutation equipment, superconducting materials, and development of conventional, cryoresistive, and superconducting MES. Conventional and cryoresistive MES units for stored energy up to 900 MJ, discharge currents up to 6 MA, pulse duration of 0.1-10 ms, and generated power of 10/sup 10/-10/sup 12/ W have been constructed and used for research in the USSR. If a further increase in energy and in power amplification factor is requested, the application of superconducting MES will be necessary to reduce the requirements of charging power. Pilot pulse superconducting MES systems with an energy of several MJ have been developed and tested in USSR laboratories. The prospects of the application of superconducting MES in utility systems are examined.
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